Artist’s Statement

My art examines the construction and composition of space, real and imagined. Initially developed from an interest in the illusionistic space of photography and painting, my research has continued with a range of subject matter in art theory, architecture, philosophy, ecology, mysticism and literature. An amateur interest in theoretical physics, dark matter and string theory plays an integral role in my work, especially absurd tendencies that contradict a perceived reality. Early philosophical concepts of space and ideas begin with Plato and, later, Kant’s concepts of a priori knowledge and noumena as related to conceptual art. Foucault’s heterotopias, worlds within worlds, oftentimes as contradictory or paradoxical existence with the shifting of cultural norms over time, is a more recent development in socio-political constructions of space. The post-humanist philosophy of object-oriented ontology has been important in my most recent work, specifically with hyperobjects, complex, non-local entities that transcend human ability to perceive over extended space and time. Climate change is often used as the best example. Although based on elements of objective science and rational thought I consider my artwork to be experimental and subjective through a personal narrative and interpretation of the research.

The history of communication and systems plays an integral role in how space is constructed and perceived. In many instances, my art appears to have something to say while remaining absurd, a form of contemporary Toaist koan. The work can continue to exist seemingly incomplete or in a phase state with each piece becoming a monument, or perhaps an anti-monument, to an idea, an offering of something that could become or never will. Some themes relate back to an interest in ecology from earlier work looking at the relationship between humans and nature and the progressive divergence that continues. This occurs even more with digital space that evolves with even more use of data visualization to understand how the world is constructed while simultaneously separating further through abstraction.

I had the advantage of learning about tools and materials since I was teenager working for my father’s construction company. This has been integral in several other ways, most importantly in the subject matter of architecture and space, the role of honest labor, and the idea of craftsmanship. My work is situated between experimental and craft traditions. I have a passion for learning new techniques while embracing the immediacy of the processes and honing my skills over sustained problem finding. This is especially important in my current research involving CNC and digital processes for fabrication. This research extends from my studio practice into the classroom naturally.